19 January 2024 , 04:00
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Arsenal have yet to make a new signing this month, despite their Premier League title bid faltering over the Christmas period.
Mikel Arteta's side have slipped to fourth in the table, five points behind league leaders Liverpool, following a run of one win in their last five games. However, they will be hoping to get back to their best this weekend when they host Crystal Palace.
Palace come into the game on the back of an FA Cup replay, in which they lost to Everton, but they beat Brentford last time out in the league and will be full of confidence heading to the Emirates.
It will be Arsenal's first fixture since they spent the winter break enjoying a warm-weather training camp and, with that in mind, here are some of the latest news and rumours coming out of the Emirates.
Toney admission
Brentford striker Ivan Toney has spoken of his desire to "play for a top club" one day and he has left the door open to completing a move this month.
Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured
"You can never predict when is the right time to move elsewhere, but I think it's obvious I want to play for a top club," he told Sky Sports amid links with Arsenal. "Everybody wants to play for a top club, that is fighting for titles.
"Whether it's this January that is the right time for a club to come in and pay the right money, who knows? But my main focus is to do what I do on the pitch, and let the background work take care of itself."
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Ivan Toney has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal (Sky Sports)Simons interest
Arsenal are considering a summer swoop for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Xavi Simons, who is currently on loan at RB Leipzig.
According to a report from Sport BILD, as per Sport Witness, Arsenal are among the 'top clubs' who could make a move for Simons next summer. Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan are also said to be interested in the 20-year-old.
However, PSG are yet to decide on Simons' future and the report claims they may even look to loan him back to Leipzig again next season given his impressive performances for the Bundesliga side.
Arsenal are among a host of clubs interested in Xavi Simons (OLAF KRAAK/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)Ready to 'bid hard' for Willian
Teenage prospect Estevao Willian has also emerged as a target for the Gunners, with Mundo Deportivo reporting that they are one of several clubs 'willing to bid hard' for the youngster.
Barcelona, PSG, Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United are also interested in the 16-year-old. However, Barcelona are said to have the edge over the other clubs as Willian has previously stated that he is a fan of the La Liga giants.
"[My dream is] to play for Barcelona, which is one of the best clubs in the world," he told Mundo Deportivo. "I was born watching Neymar, Messi and Suarez play for Barcelona, and that's the dream I have. I watch almost every Barca match. I'm a fan of the club."